Gujarat Titans’ hopes of winning a second IPL title were dashed as they were eliminated by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Eliminator. Despite dew and a brilliant knock from Sai Sudharsan, the target of 229 proved difficult for GT to chase at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

Mumbai Indians posted a formidable total of 228-5 in their innings, with Rohit Sharma contributing 81 runs from 50 balls. However, his knock could have been cut short on a couple of occasions, as he was dropped twice once by Gerald Coetzee in the deep and then by Mendis behind the stumps. Perera was making his debut for GT, replacing Jos Buttler. Rohit took full advantage of these chances and played a match-defining innings.

Suryakumar Yadav was also let off once on his way to 33 off 20 balls. The series of fielding errors played a role in GT’s 20-run defeat. Gujarat captain Shubman Gill was not pleased.

“It’s never easy when we drop three straightforward catches. The bowlers had a tough time trying to contain the opposition, and it’s even harder when we miss those chances,” Gill said in the post-match presentation ceremony, openly addressing the mistakes that cost GT the game. Rohit was let off twice, once when he was on 3 and again at 12.

GT’s bowlers, crucial to their team’s early success, struggled after the tournament resumed, conceding 200+ in each of their last four matches. They won only once, against Delhi Capitals.

Despite an impressive partnership between Sudharsan (80 off 49) and Sundar (48 off 24), the team fell short. MI’s death bowling sealed a 20-run victory, sending them to Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.